Issue Position: Medicare And Social Security

Issue Position

Social Security and Medicare make a real difference in the lives of working Americans and it's a top priority of mine to protect these programs. Since the creation of Social Security and Medicare, millions of Americans have relied on these crucial programs to live their lives with dignity. Millions more who paid into the system are counting on these programs to one day provide them with quality health care and income in their retirement. This historic commitment and pledge from our country remains one of our greatest achievements.

While I am committed to protecting Social Security and Medicare, we need to take steps to strengthen these programs so they are intact for generations to come. I am willing to consider raising the cap on earnings subject to the payroll tax as a way to strengthen Social Security. I oppose privatizing Medicare by turning it into a voucher system -- doing so would end Medicare as we know it and diminish its protections and benefits. However, there are practical steps we can take to strengthen the system and preserve its integrity. I supported efforts to enact stronger penalties for Medicare and Medicaid fraud and helping to prevent improper or mistaken payments for the programs. I will work with members of both parties to protect the guarantees of Social Security and Medicare for current and future beneficiaries.

Together with other representatives from the Illinois delegation, I hosted a round table on the importance of preserving Social Security and Medicare with local seniors and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. We had a productive discussion and continue to raise awareness on these important issues.

I urge you to contact my office or attend one of my regular information sessions for assistance with any issues related to Medicare or Social Security. A homeless constituent in Elk Grove Village was having issues with the Social Security Disability office. He went all the way through the Social Security Disability process but was then audited for denial. My office helped expedite his case from the audit bureau and sent it back to the Hearing Judge. The constituent then won approximately $50,000 in retroactive pay after waiting over 3 years. If you are having a similar issue, please click here to contact my office for assistance.

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